UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Online Application for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts

Age Limits

• IMA: 19-24 years
• INA: 19-24 years
• AFA: 20-24 years (as on 01-07-2027; CPL holders: up to 26 years)
• OTA (Men): 19-25 years
• OTA (Women): 19-25 years Note: Age relaxations are as per the official CDS guidelines. Marriage and certain other conditions may affect eligibility.

Eligibility Details

IMA & OTA (SSC Men)

• Nationality: Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa, or Vietnam with eligibility certificate where applicable.
• Educational Qualification - IMA: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Educational Qualification - OTA: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.

INA

• Nationality: as above.
• Educational Qualification: Degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

AFA

• Nationality: as above.
• Educational Qualification: Degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering.

Final Year Students

• Final year/semester candidates may apply but must pass by the prescribed dates for each academy.

Physical Standards & Debarment

• Candidates must meet physical standards as per the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces.
• Debarment by the Ministry of Defence from holding any commission makes a candidate ineligible.

Important Dates

• Notification: 20/05/2026
• Opening of Online Application: 20-05-2026
• Last Date for Online Application: 11-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM)
• Written Examination: 13-09-2026
• SSB and Medical, and other timelines: as notified

Application Fee

• General/OBC/EWS (Male): Rs. 200 (Non-Refundable)
• Female Candidates (All Categories): Nil
• SC/ST: Nil No fee exemptions beyond those noted above.

Additional Instructions

• Applications submitted cannot be withdrawn or corrected after submission. URN profile edits apply only to future applications.
• Choose course preferences carefully; AFA must be indicated as first choice for Air Force entry. OTA should be last for male candidates.
• Admit cards are downloadable from the official site; no postal or email dispatch.
• Negative marking: 1/3 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Calculators not permitted. Use Black Ball Pen on OMR sheets.
• Candidates must register on join Indian Army for SSB calls if applicable and ensure the same email ID is used across portals.
• Carry original educational certificates to the SSB centre.
• No corrections allowed after submission; do not bring prohibited electronic devices to the examination venue.
• Representations on questions/answer keys must be submitted through the official site within the specified window.
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply; CDS aims for gender-balanced recruitment.